The Clean Air + program is a nationwide initiative aimed at improving air quality and enhancing the energy efficiency of residential buildings. The program supports homeowners of single-family houses in upgrading heating systems and conducting thermal modernization by offering substantial financial aid. Through Clean Air +, Polish households can adopt eco-friendly solutions that contribute to combating smog and reducing harmful emissions, significantly improving air quality and advancing the country’s climate goals.

Key Objectives of the Program

The Clean Air + program fosters a comprehensive energy transformation within the single-family housing sector. Its primary goals include:

• Reducing harmful emissions – Upgrading heating systems and transitioning to eco-friendly energy sources significantly reduce particulate matter and other pollutants that contribute to smog.
• Enhancing energy efficiency – Thermal modernization lowers energy demand in buildings, reducing fuel consumption and heating costs for homeowners.
• Combating smog – As a key tool in the fight against smog in Poland, the program is particularly critical during the heating season when air quality issues are most severe.

Maximum Financial Support

Beneficiaries of the Clean Air + program can receive funding of up to PLN 135,000 for various energy modernization activities. These funds can be allocated for:

• Energy audits – A fundamental assessment to evaluate a building’s energy efficiency and identify optimal modernization measures.
• Thermal modernization – Insulating walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as replacing windows, doors, and garage gates to reduce heat loss.
• Replacing outdated heating systems – Supporting the replacement of old, solid-fuel heating systems (coal or wood) with eco-friendly, modern devices that meet strict emissions standards.
• Upgrading CO and DHW systems – Installing central heating and domestic hot water systems.
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery – Advanced ventilation systems that efficiently exchange air while minimizing heat loss.
• Solar PV installations – Enabling households to generate their own electricity, reducing bills and improving energy efficiency.

New Features and Simplifications for 2024

In 2024, the program introduces several key enhancements, including:

• Simplified application process – Streamlined forms save time and make documentation submission easier for beneficiaries.
• Prefinancing – Beneficiaries can receive funds before starting projects, supporting households with limited financial resources.
• Faster decision-making – Funding decisions are processed more quickly, allowing projects to begin sooner.

Stricter Standards for Heating Devices

The 2024 edition includes stricter criteria for heating devices. Funding is available only for equipment that meets rigorous emission and energy efficiency standards and is listed on the program’s recommended devices and materials list. This ensures the program supports only the most environmentally friendly technologies, contributing to tangible air quality improvements.

Timelines and Flexible Application Process

The Clean Air + program runs until 2029, with key dates for beneficiaries:

• December 31, 2027 – Deadline for signing agreements on project implementation.
• September 30, 2029 – Deadline for spending allocated funds.

Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis, allowing beneficiaries to approach investments flexibly.

Funding for Ongoing Projects

The 2024 edition allows support for ongoing projects, provided they began no earlier than May 15, 2020, and work started no more than six months before the application date.

Who Can Benefit?

Eligible beneficiaries include individuals who own or co-own a single-family house or a designated residential unit. The property must be registered in the land and mortgage registry, and the applicant’s annual income cannot exceed PLN 135,000.

Adjusting Support Levels to Beneficiary Needs

The program tailors support levels to beneficiaries’ financial situations:

• Income up to PLN 135,000 – Funding ranges from PLN 25,000 to PLN 66,000, depending on the scope of work.
• Lower-income households – Funding for multi-person and single-person households can reach up to PLN 99,000.
• Lowest-income groups – Beneficiaries meeting additional income criteria may receive full coverage of project costs.

Scope of Support

Funding covers a wide range of energy efficiency improvements, including:

• Energy audits – Up to PLN 1,200 to assess a building’s energy performance.
• Heat pumps – Various types, such as air-to-water, air-to-air, and ground-source pumps, as efficient and eco-friendly energy sources.
• Gas and oil boilers – Replacing old systems with new ones meeting stringent emission standards.
• Ventilation systems – With heat recovery to save energy while exchanging air.
• Solar PV systems – Allowing households to generate renewable energy.
• Upgrading CO and DHW systems – Improving heating and hot water efficiency.
• Insulation and window/door replacements – Reducing heat loss through thermal modernization.

Requirements for Comprehensive Thermal Modernization

Comprehensive projects require an energy audit to identify optimal modernization measures. Beneficiaries must meet one of two criteria:

• Reduce energy demand for heating below 80 kWh/m²/year, or
• Achieve at least a 40% reduction in energy demand.

Additional Support: Prefinancing and Bank Loans

In addition to grants, Clean Air + offers prefinancing and credit support. Prefinancing provides funds before project implementation, making the program more accessible to households with limited financial means. Bank loans are also available to support energy modernization efforts.

The Clean Air + program offers comprehensive support to Polish households striving to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Through grants and preferential financing terms, the program encourages eco-friendly modernization, improving air quality and driving Poland’s energy transformation.